In an article on Forbes.com, Kathy Caprino asks, “Where are the Women on Fortune’s ’40 under 40′ List?” That’s a very good question. According to Fortune, the most innovative, powerful, and impressive business people under the age of 40 are nearly all men.

As Caprino notes, the first woman on the list can’t be found until #20 where Google VP Marissa Mayer landed. Just 5 women made it on Fortune’s list.

Instead of asking who is to blame for this glaring inequity, Caprino offers 8 essential steps for women to advance to the top:

1. Stay in the workforce.
2. Break all the rules.
3. Contribute in the highest way.
4. Power up your competitive and innovative spirit.
5. Develop your genius.
6. Build a fantastic team and network.
7. Take massive risks.
8. Don’t say no.

Before you question any of the eight steps listed above, follow this link and read Caprino’s full article which includes tons of details related to each of those steps to get you headed in the direction for success. As Caprino writes, “Arriving at the top doesn’t just happen.  You have to commit yourself to being the absolute best and stretch yourself beyond all imagining. Are you ready to do what it takes?”

Only you can answer that question — are you ready to do what it takes to get to the top? But remember this: as you commit to climbing the corporate ladder, don’t forget who you are and what’s most important to you. A title and a big paycheck isn’t everything, and that might be just the bit of insight that keeps women out of these “top business people” lists.